From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Chilblains (also known as
pernio and perniosis[1]:25) is a
medical condition that is often confused with frostbite and trench foot. Chilblains are acral ulcers
(that is, ulcers affecting the extremities) that occur when a
predisposed individual is exposed to cold and humidity. The cold
exposure damages capillary beds in the skin, which in turn can
cause redness, itching, blisters, and inflammation.[2]
Chilblains are often idiopathic in origin but can be
manifestations of serious medical conditions that need to be
investigated. Chilblains can be prevented by keeping the feet and
hands warm in cold weather. A history of chilblains is suggestive
of a connective tissue
disease.

From LoveToKnow 1911

CHILBLAINS (or Kibe; Erythema pernio),
a mild form of frostbite, affecting the fingers or toes and
other parts, and causing a painful inflammatory swelling, with
redness and itching of the affected part. The chief points to be
noticed in its aetiology
are (1) that the lesions occur in the extremities of the
circulation, and (2) that they are usually started by rapid changes
from heat to cold or vice versa. The treatment is both general and
local. In the general treatment, if a history of blanching fingers
(fingers or hands going "dead") can be obtained, the chilblains may
be regarded as mild cases of Raynaud's disease, and these improve
markedly under a course of nitrites. Cardiac tonics are often
helpful, especially in those cases where there is some attendant lesion of the heart. But the majority of cases improve
wonderfully on a good course of a calciumsalt,
e.g. calcium lactate or chloride; fifteen grains three
times a day will answer in most cases. The patient should wash in
soft tepid water, and avoid extremes of heat and cold. In the local
treatment, two drugs are of great value in the early congestive
stage - ichthyol and formalin. Ichthyol, 10 to 20% in lanoline
spread on linen and worn at
night, often dispels an attack at the beginning. Formalin is
equally efficacious, but requires more skill in its use. It can be
used as an ointment, io to 50% for delicate skins, stronger for
coarser skins. It should be replaced occasionally by lanoline. If
the stage of ulceration has been reached, a paste made from the following prescription, spread
thickly on linen and frequently changed, soon cures: - Hydrarg. ammoniat. gr. v., ichthyol
111x, pulveris zinci oxidi 3 iv, vaseline ss.